* Forgetting is an active process: It's not simply the failure to remember, but a process with its own mechanisms that can be influenced. * Mental health significantly impacts memory: Confidence, mood, and happiness are crucial for memory performance. Addressing mental health issues can dramatically improve memory. * Cue overload hinders memory: Too many cues associated with a memory can lead to its deletion (transient forgetting). Using novel, unique, and strong cues improves retention. * Learning itself can cause forgetting (proactive inhibition): New learning can overwrite old memories. Strategic cramming (revising existing knowledge, not learning new material) helps mitigate this. * Our brains aren't designed for rote memorization: Memories are for decision-making (conceptual memory). Connecting ideas conceptually makes memorization easier and more efficient. * Horizontal learning is superior to vertical learning: Instead of learning details under a single topic (vertical), connect related concepts across different topics (horizontal) to create a more robust and interconnected understanding. * Intuition enhances memorization: Prior knowledge and understanding of a subject significantly speed up the learning process. Building a foundational understanding before diving into details improves retention.